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50 by 50 update

When I decided to go on this journey to lose 50 pounds by Oct. 1, 2013, I figured if I lost one pound per week I’d reach my goal. As I wrote last month, after the first 30 days, I had lost 14 pounds.

Dec 5, 2012

Needless to say I was pretty pleased with those results, and I had become motivated. It was exciting to step on the scale every Monday morning and see how much more weight was lost. On Monday, Nov. 12, I was ecstatic to have lost 18 lbs, and was certain I would reach the 20-pound mark within the next week or so.

What I wasn’t taking into consideration was going to deer camp later that week for four days, and Thanksgiving just a couple days beyond that, followed by a few more days at camp.

I quickly realized that it’s tough to find a salad at deer camp, and to even think about it might result in me losing my man card. I might have been thrown out of camp. I remained hopeful, however, that extra walking would offset the extra intake I indulged in. Nothing hits the spot like a bowl of chili and a cold beverage after spending the better part of a day in the woods. Drinking as much water as I should even became a challenge.

My wife, Linda, and I had the privilege of hosting Thanksgiving this year for 27 of our relatives. It was a great event with all the delicious traditional fare to include irresistible desserts like sweet potato pie and Aunt Mary’s banana split cake. What kind of host would I be if I didn’t have some of Aunt Mary’s famous dessert? She knows it’s one of my favorites, and I would have hated to hurt her feelings. So I had a piece. OK, maybe two.

When the month was all said and done, I ended up gaining one pound back, and have now lost a total of 13 pounds. All things considered, it could have been much worse.

A couple of good things came out of the month, though. I went back to the doctor and got on some meds to clear up the congestion in my chest that has been nagging me for the better part of two months. This will allow me to begin a much-needed fitness program.

I joined the Tri-Cities YMCA last week, and had a body composition analysis done as part of their new “Jump Start” program they will offer in 2013. It was an eye-opening experience, but one that I anticipate will be rewarding. My plan is to attend the Y a minimum of three days per week in the morning before work.

December is going to be a challenge, too, but with the help of my friends at the Y, my goal is to get to 15 pounds by the end of December, and then hit it hard in 2013.

Don’t forget, I welcome your feedback and words of encouragement. Feel free to e-mail me at khook@grandhaventribune.com. Hope to see you at the Y!